The U.S. Bureau of Land Management released updated plans for the conservation of greater sage-grouse habitat Monday, opening up more lands in eight states for oil drilling and mineral mining.
“We are strengthening American energy security while ensuring the sage-grouse continues to thrive,” said acting bureau chief Bill Groffy. “Healthy sagebrush country powers our communities, sustains wildlife, and supports the economies that make the West strong.”
The chubby chicken-like wild bird known for elaborate mating dances has been center stage for over a decade as environmentalists and oil and gas producers spar over public land use. One environmental organization immediately vowed to sue the agency over the updated plans….